Glacier National Park
From wildflower-filled alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and glistening glaciers to bucket list–worthy hikes, epic scenic drives, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, Glacier National Park is a place that will truly take your breath away.
Located in northwest Montana, Glacier National Park is a dream destination for visitors from around the world. Spanning over 1 million acres of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers, it’s one of the most popular national parks in America.
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier offers endless outdoor adventures—from hiking and wildlife watching to scenic drives along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. What sets this national park apart from others is its combination of dramatic glacial landscapes and relatively untouched wilderness, providing a sense of solitude and discovery that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Ready to explore? Plan your trip with the comprehensive travel guides on this page.
A quick guide to Glacier National Park’s different regions
Glacier National Park is divided into several distinct regions, each offering its own unique scenery, hikes, and experiences. Click below to learn what makes each area special—and discover all the can’t-miss sights, trails, and activities along the way.
West Glacier
West Glacier is the most popular gateway to Glacier National Park, located near the park’s southwest entrance. It’s home to iconic landmarks like Lake McDonald, Apgar Village and the start of the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. With plenty of lodging, dining, and visitor services, West Glacier is a convenient base for first-time visitors and families.
Many Glacier
Many Glacier, located on the northeast side of Glacier National Park, is often considered one of the park’s most stunning regions. With dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife, you’ll want at least a full day here for sightseeing, or two to three days if you plan to hike the iconic Grinnell Glacier Trail or Iceberg Lake Trail.
Two Medicine
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Glacier National Park, Two Medicine is a quieter, less-visited area that offers stunning scenery without the crowds. Once a primary entrance to the park, this region is rich in history and natural beauty, with dramatic peaks, serene lakes, and excellent hiking opportunities.
Highlights include boat tours on Two Medicine Lake, scenic day hikes like Scenic Point or Twin Falls, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the park’s busier sections. If you’re looking for solitude and classic Glacier views, Two Medicine is well worth the detour.
Hiking in Glacier National Park
With over 700 miles of trails winding through glacier-carved valleys, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re dreaming of strolling through wildflower-filled alpine meadows, hiking to turquoise lakes, or tackling an ambitious all-day trek into the backcountry, these trails showcase the very best of the park’s breathtaking terrain.
Where to stay in Glacier National Park
Hoping to stay inside Glacier National Park? You’ll need to book your accommodations well in advance—especially if you’re visiting between June and October. Popular in-park options near the West Glacier entrance include Lake McDonald Lodge, the Village Inn, and Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins.
If you’re unable to book a room inside the park, your next best option is to stay nearby. Here are a few recommended hotels near the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park: Belton Chalet, Cedar Creek Lodge, Under Canvas, and The Firebrand Hotel.
You can use this interactive map to search for hotels and vacation rentals near Glacier National Park. Recommended hotels, campgrounds, and other points of interest are also marked on the map.
Charming Towns to Visit Nearby
Your Glacier adventure doesn’t have to end at the park gates. From the lively mountain town of Whitefish to the scenic lakeside charm of Sandpoint, these nearby destinations offer even more opportunities for hiking, dining, relaxing, and discovering the magic of northwest Montana and beyond. Tap the links below to explore what each town has to offer.
Planning Your Trip To Glacier National Park
Flights: If you’re planning on flying into Montana to visit Glacier National Park, the closest airport is Glacier Park Airport in Kalispell. You can also fly into Missoula Airport or Spokane Airport which are both under five hours away from the West Glacier entrance.
Rental Cars: If you’re flying in, you’ll be needing a rental car. For the best deal book your rental car with Enterprise who are our preferred rental car company. You can also compare rental car prices for your trip on rentalcars.com, a website that aggregates all car rental companies and shows prices including taxes.
RV & Campervan Rentals: One of the best ways to travel is by RV or campervan. It’s much more comfortable than camping and will save you money by combining the cost of transport and accommodation. Search for RV and campervan rentals on Outdoorsy.
Driving To Glacier National Park: Turn your visit to Glacier National Park into a road trip! Here are some suggested itineraries below.
- From Missoula: Pick up your rental car from Missoula and take Highway 93 north to Glacier National Park. Be sure to stop at The Huckleberry Patch in Arlee for bison burgers and huckleberry coffee, then detour to the Bison Range for wildlife viewing.
- From Spokane: Pick up your rental car from Spokane and take Interstate 90 east to Glacier National Park. If you have time for sightseeing, stop and visit Lake Coeur d’Alene and Wallace in Idaho. Alternatively, take Highway 95 and Highway 2 to Glacier National Park and stop to visit Sandpoint and Kootenai Falls on the drive there.
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Looking to add some adrenaline to your Glacier adventure? Book a whitewater rafting trip on the Flathead River for unforgettable views, splashes, and thrills!